MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE HAVE DIED FROM LIGHTNING STRIKES IN ILLINOIS OVER THE PAST 50 YEARS. AND THOSE THAT SURVIVE OFTEN SUFFER LONG TERM EFFECTS SUCH AS MEMORY LOSS AND CHRONIC PAIN. THAT’S WHY I-EMA SPOKESPERSON PATTI THOMPSON SAYS IT’S IMPORTANT TO TAKE THE THREAT OF LIGHTNING SERIOUSLY.

 

 

ONCE YOU'RE INSIDE THOMPSON SAYS YOU SHOULD AVOID TAKING A SHOWER AND WASHING DISHES SINCE LIGHTING COULD HIT YOUR PIPES. YOU SHOULD STAY INSIDE FOR HALF AN HOUR AFTER YOU HEAR THE LAST RUMBLES OF THUNDER.

 

 

DATA SHOWS THAT THE MAJORITY OF LIGHTING FATALITIES AND INJURIES OCCUR DURING OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS GOLFING, SPORTING EVENTS AND SWIMMING.